Okay. The6 second position is Park, Public7 Relations, and Rec Director.8
Correct, that's the9 working title, that's the Civil Service10 title for chief of staff.11
When we were14 Fairmount Park as a stand-alone15 department, we --16
That person has19 been historically, and continues to be,20 my right-hand person handling all matters21 related to detailed functions on the22 daily operations or policy issues for23 Fairmount Park -- permitting, running24 specific discrete projects such as our25 156 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 annual deer cull. There's a whole list2 of responsibilities. We can certainly3 get that to you.4
Do they both5 do press -- do they both do public6 relations?7
No, okay.10 So the Parks Chief of Staff doesn't do11 public relations despite the title.12
Okay. You14 can see how that would be confusing for15 us.16
Like last19 year, I'm asking about unfilled and new20 positions. I know the detail is a point-21 of-time measure, but until we receive22 additional detail, that's what we have to23 go on.24 The detail for Parks and Rec25 157 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 shows various vacant positions that are2 proposed to be filled in FY '12 as well3 as new positions for FY '12 which I'd4 like to go through.5 There's an unfilled Recreation6 District Manager position; has it been7 filled?8 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We're9 waiting for the test.10
How long has11 it been vacant?12 (Timer bell rings.)13 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Less14 than a month.15
Less than a16 month? Okay.17 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: But18 we're actively working on creating the19 test, so it takes a little time. So20 we're doing the test right now, then21 we'll schedule the test.22
And how long23 have we known that person was leaving?24 DEP. COMM. WASHINGTON: With25 158 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the district managers, part of that2 vacancy was created when we started3 merging, and we also have two new4 positions, regional managers. And those5 folks -- two district managers were6 promoted up to regional managers.7 So the vacancies are kind of --8 you know, they're moving around. We9 filled the positions from that, so that's10 why we have three vacancies now, the11 recreation district manager, and that12 title has changed because we're not13 Recreation anymore; we're Parks and14 Recreation. So we're establishing a new15 list.16 OHR is working on a new test17 for the new district manager.18
So my19 question is: How long have we known that20 position was going to be vacant?21 DEP. COMM. WASHINGTON: We22 weren't sure if it was going to be vacant23 because we had to wait until the regional24 managers list. There were Park district25 159 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 managers and Recreation district manager2 that were on that list. So we knew3 probably about two months.4
Two months.5 DEP. COMM. WASHINGTON: Yes.6 And we've been working on the test and7 we're waiting for the test. It was8 announced, and hopefully we'll have a9 list by July or August.10
This really11 relates to sort of a 5 percent vacancy12 rate and part of what many people have13 discussed, not just with your department14 but with every department, and that is15 the fact that we don't have an ERP16 system, we don't have an HR personnel17 computer system that keeps track citywide18 of vacancies, when people retire, that19 alert people to, Okay, we need to do a20 Civil Service test for this, we need to21 do this, these positions are going to22 vacant.23 We can fix all this very simply24 and very easily by implementing our ERP,25 160 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 and it's not really for you guys; I'm2 just making the point.3 I think that's -- my time was4 up, although --5
The6 only one remaining for questioning is7 Councilman Rizzo.8
Real quick.9 I just have one question for the park.10 Could you give me the status of11 the 92nd Police District? because I know12 that there was significant interest from13 the private sector to occupy that space,14 lease it from you. And I never see any15 activity there. There was supposed to be16 some Fairmount Park people moving in17 there.18 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Sure.19
Right. Councilman,22 they've not moved in yet. They'll move23 in in the next month. We had to complete24 the interior renovation of the building,25 161 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 and our colleagues at the Department of2 Technology are in the process of wiring3 it for phones and computers.4 We're moving our entire Urban5 Forest Management Group, all of our6 arborists, we're consolidating them all7 in that one central location.8 So as I've shared with you9 previously, the timetable has slipped a10 little bit 'cause of the building11 renovations, but we will be occupying12 that building within the next month or13 two.14
That15 building was in pretty bad shape. Was it16 an expensive renovation?17
Actually, I don't18 have the full cost, but we actually had19 something very -- in a bizarre way,20 something beneficial happened, which is21 that a major tree had fallen on the back22 of the building during a storm, and we23 got a substantial insurance settlement24 from that, which allowed us not only to25 162 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 replace the damage and do the roof but2 also do some exterior stabilization of3 the building.4 So that's in part why it looks5 as good as it does from the outside.6
It was because of9 that. And that's one of the buildings10 that we buy supplemental historic11 property insurance from every year out of12 our operating budget, and that was a very13 wise investment in that case.14
I'm going to15 look at that tree to see if it wasn't16 sawed halfway through.17 (Laughter.)18
Insurance21 fraud. No, no, just a joke.22 No, it's good to hear 'cause it23 is a really beautiful asset, and I'm glad24 to see that it's going to be used.25 163 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Thanks.2
Thank you.6 I have many pages of vacant and7 unfilled positions which I'll just send8 you in a supplemental e-mail rather than9 go through them all.10 Could you briefly describe for11 me the intent in your view of the12 ordinance that's before City Council,13 110002, open parks land?14 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.15 This is -- and I could talk a little bit16 about it and then the Chair of the17 Commission is here if that's appropriate.18 But up until the dissolution of19 the Fairmount Park Commission, they had20 the short and the final say in any21 changing of the use of parkland to any22 other use.23 And I sat on the Commission for24 almost ten years, and it rarely came up25 164 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 as an issue, but when it did, it was very2 volatile and a lot of citizen interest,3 and really no set rules or processes to4 manage what I think -- and you can see5 from a couple of those that have taken6 place in the last decade or two, there's7 a very volatile and a very interested8 public in what happens.9 So there was nothing, when this10 department was formed into the Parks and11 Recreation Department, that managed that.12 There was a piece in the legislation that13 merged the departments that called for14 guidelines. And the Commission was asked15 by the Mayor to not only do guidelines,16 but could they do something that would be17 regulatory or legislative.18 So out of that call, over the19 last year, the Commission has worked20 really hard to create the bill, which in21 my mind, creates a very clear process,22 very clear standards, a public process23 that involves the public, the Commission,24 and this council and the Mayor in25 165 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 creating a way for those issues to be2 resolved.3
What is the4 process intended to prevent or allow?5 And why?6 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Well,7 given that there's no -- that would be up8 to -- I mean, I think it would be up to9 me, at least as it stands now, which I10 can make unilateral decisions to take --11 there's no authority right now to move12 parkland around to say, Well, this is a13 part of a rec center, we want to turn it14 into something else, am I okay with that,15 taken out of this use.16 So this would engage Council,17 the Commission, and citizens in that18 process.19 Now, the details of the20 process, if you want to go deeper than21 that, the Chair might be able to help.22
Well, I just23 read it as basically saying that as long24 as we find additional -- as long as we25 166 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 find land here, we can sell this land2 here.3 And I'm wondering if all of the4 current discussions about the sale or5 lease of parkland that the City is aware6 of or that you're aware of was shared7 with the Commission prior to or during8 the development of this policy.9 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yes.10 Oh, yes. Well, leasing is different,11 'cause that doesn't change the use.12 But if there's a change -- this13 was about change of use.14
So this15 would not deal with a hundred-year lease.16 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: If it17 changes the use, but if the use remains18 the same, it would have no effect.19
Once you20 lease -- so -- but the lease may or may21 not limit, depending on how it's written,22 the use. In other words, the intent23 could be to use it the same.24 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: I25 167 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 don't know if I have that --2
I mean I see3 a lot of potential loopholes within this4 language, especially related to leases5 and -- and I voted against the merger6 primarily soley for the reason -- I'm the7 only person on Council -- to prevent the8 sale or disposition of parkland, whether9 by lease or sale or any kind of transfer,10 et cetera.11 And it seems to me that this12 doesn't address some of the reasons I13 voted against the --14 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: So15 what I would suggest is that Nancy16 Goldenberg, the Chair, and the folks who17 did a lot of legal work to talk to you as18 quickly as possible to kind of get inside19 that particular worry or concern of20 yours.21
Okay. So22 where the -- I happened to meet a23 gentleman in the Atlanta airport who24 found out I was a Philadelphia City25 168 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Councilman, and he told me that his2 company, from Atlanta, is negotiating to3 buy one of our golf courses from the City4 of Philadelphia today.5
No, that's6 absolutely not true, that we know of.7 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: He8 may be talking to somebody else.9
He may be talking10 to somebody else, but he's not talking to11 us.12 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: He's13 not talking to us.14
We have a standing15 contract we awarded two years ago with16 Billy Casper, which is the nation's17 largest operator of municipal golf18 courses.19
This is20 development for a residential housing21 development --22
-- around a24 girlfriend course --25 169 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Absolutely not.5 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: If6 it's on City land, he's not. I will tell7 you --8
Absolutely --9 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: He10 might be talking to somebody else other11 than us but he ain't talking to us.12
I think he's13 talking to somebody else other than you.14 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah.15 I'm sorry.16
But somebody17 within the City of Philadelphia.18 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: Yeah,19 that's big and we --20
Okay, thank24 you.25 170 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Are2 there any other questions from members of3 the committee?4 (No questions.)5
Thank6 you very much and thank you for all the7 wonderful work you do.8 DEP. MAYOR DiBERARDINIS: We9 appreciate it.10 MR. McPHERSON: The next11 department is the Atwater Kent Museum.12 (Witness comes forward.)13
Good14 afternoon. Kindly identify yourself for15 the record.16
Good afternoon.17 I'm Charles Croce, and I'm the new18 executive director of the Philadelphia19 History Museum at the Atwater Kent.20 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:21 Welcome.22
11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Charles Croce, the newly impact appointed2 executive director of the Philadelphia3 History Museum at the Atwater Kent, and4 I'm here to present testimony in support5 of the museum's budget of $268,630. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 I would also like to recognize2 for the record Councilman DiCicco for his3 continued support of the museum, which4 lies within his district, and Councilman5 Greenlee, the Council's representative on6 the museum board. 11 As you know, the history museum12 remains closed in Fiscal '11, enabling us13 to complete a total renovation of our14 1826 historic building on South Seventh15 Street. 11 COMM. 4 The renovation will allow the5 museum to display its most historically6 valuable objects and artifacts, including7 many of those requested by visitors for8 the first time in decades. 11 COMM. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 launched a new informative resource on2 all aspects of the City's 330-year3 history. The site has also served to4 increase individual donations and5 memberships through online giving. 18 We've increased our membership19 during this renovation period that20 required the museum's closing. 11 COMM. 11 COMM. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 independent and broader in our financial2 support. 8 Currently, we're not fully9 engaged in a campaign to identify and10 appropriate an available funding source11 for our opening exhibition schedule and12 beyond. We're in the midst of developing13 a new strategic plan for the museum,14 creating a case study to support our15 financial goals and objectives. 11 COMM. 2 In short, the Philadelphia3 History Museum at the Atwater Kent is4 looking forward to its opening. 22 So thank you for your23 attention. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Thank7 you, Madam President.8 Very quickly. As Mr. Croce9 said, I'm proud to be the Council10 representative on the museum board. And11 as he said, this will really be a new12 museum. And I think we can really be13 proud and excited when it opens in14 September, that it will really, I think,15 just really draw people and get people to16 understand the history of Philadelphia.17 Although the Atwater Kent18 Museum was a good museum, I don't think19 that it attracted what it needed to do.20 So now we have the Philadelphia History21 Museum at the Atwater Kent, I think it's22 going to be a really whole different23 experience and, I think, a real positive24 for the City of Philadelphia. So I think25 181 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 we all need to look forward to its2 opening.3 And I thank Mr. Croce. He took4 over at kind of a tough time, when the5 museum closed, but we're moving towards,6 I think, an exciting time here.7 Thank you.8
Any12 other questions?13 (No further questions.)14 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:15 Seeing no one, we will stand in recess16 until 2 o'clock. Thank you.17 (Lunch break taken.)18 (Proceedings resume.)19 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:20 Councilmembers who are coming to the21 hearings, I would suggest you do so now,22 because we're getting ready to start.23 Thank you.24 Okay. This is a continued25 182 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 public hearing of the Committee of the2 Whole. Our next department to testify3 is...?4 MR. McPHERSON: The City5 Commissioners.6 (Witness comes forward.)7
Good afternoon.10 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:11 Please identify yourself for the record12 and proceed with your testimony.13
Yes. 17 Madam President and members of18 City Council, good afternoon. 11 COMM. 2 In Fiscal Year 2009, our3 funding level was reduced, and it's4 remained at the same levels as proposed5 in the FY '12 budget. 10 In Fiscal Year '12, we'll be11 conducting some major elections. We have12 the general election all of the county13 offices, including the Mayor and City14 Council, the row offices. There will be15 a lot of judges on the ballot and16 especially a lot of judicial retention17 questions on the ballot. 11 COMM. S. Senate open up and9 up, and that will probably -- or may be10 contested. And we'll have the11 presidential primary as well as delegates12 to the conventions and alternate13 delegates. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 vote. 11 So it's the unknown of what the12 demand is going to be on the office as13 far as the registrations. 17 Probably our largest concern is18 the Class 200. That was reduced to19 $2,700,000. 11 COMM. 1 million. 18 Now, that has been true for FY19 '09, FY '10, and again in FY '11. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 the following fiscal year and mail out2 the checks. 5 The problem is that -- and it6 hasn't affected our ability to retain7 poll workers as of yet. 12 The primary election for13 president is April 24th, the fourth14 Tuesday in April. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 is, first of all, nobody should have to2 wait that long to get paid. 8 And we don't need to create9 problems; they seem to crop up on their10 own from external sources. 11 COMM. 2
Thank3 you, Bob.4 I understand the Commissioner's5 feeling a lot better.6
I9 understand, and we didn't expect her to10 come up.11
Have13 you spoken to the Administration about14 this foreseeable problem?15
We have spoken in16 prior fiscal years, and I have talked to17 our budget analyst, and I explained to18 him the potential that we could be19 using -- we could need a mid-year20 transfer.21 The primary is April. If22 there's a mid-year transfer there, there23 should be sufficient funds to carry it24 over. But at this point in time, I just25 190 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 can't quantify the amount.2 I believe in FY '10, the3 shortage was -- we had to use about4 $160,000 out of the FY '11's budget to5 meet that payroll.6 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:7 Mm-hmm. Okay. The Chair recognizes8 Councilman Rizzo.9
You know,17 I'd like to make a suggestion. I don't18 know if you've ever done it, but the Post19 Office has, I believe, consultants where20 they'll come in and look at your21 operation and make some recommendations22 to maybe save a few bucks. You ought to23 try that because I've talked to a couple24 of organizations that had that service,25 191 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 and they realized a substantial savings2 and little tricks that might save you a3 few bucks.4
Yeah. I can tell you5 that most of the postage is probably for6 voter identification cards. The format7 that those cards are printed in comes8 directly out of the statewide uniform9 registry of electors. We have no control10 over the format or anything.11
How they're printed13 and where the date is and how it's14 printed out of there, although we do send15 'em out at bulk rate, which gives us some16 reduced rate. It's not an automatic bulk17 rate; it's the lowest discount you could18 probably get.19
Some of the other21 expenditures is when we have to reject22 applications that are incomplete. The23 requirement is that we mail them a24 notice, and we also mail back their voter25 192 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 register application with the missing2 data highlighted and then also a blank3 form for them to appeal.4 So it winds up going -- it's5 pretty bulky and it goes out first-class6 mail.7
Well, I don't know if10 we're ahead, but we're doing what we can11 with it, yes.12 And just about all of those13 mailings are mandated. There's notices14 that are printed out of the15 (indiscernible) system for change of16 address notification from the Post17 Office. We could mail maybe 40,000 of18 them a year. And there's notices for19 change of address programs under PennDOT,20 where we update records.21 All of those are mandated22 notices.23
Well, it24 sounds like you're where I wanted you to25 193 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 be.2
I could probably3 recommend to the State a way that they4 could make their system a little more5 efficient to give us a better deal, but6 that's been a longstanding process.7
Thank you.8 Thank you, Mr. Lee. Keep up the good9 work.10
Thank13 you, Madam President.14 I wonder if it's appropriate --15 could we ask the budget director to come16 up and -- she's right there.17 (Rebecca Rhynhart comes18 forward.)19
Good21 afternoon, Miss Rhynhart.22 I mean, obviously, you hired23 Mr. Lee's testimony.24
I wonder2 if you had any thought or had -- what3 analysis or all you've done on this4 issue.5
Sure. And also,6 I heard your concerns about the budget.7 I think, first, we do have a8 formal -- we have a process where we ask9 departments and independently-electeds10 for justifications for additional11 spending, and we didn't receive anything12 through that formal process as we13 formulated the Mayor's proposed budget.14 With that said, I think, you15 know, the problem of having to wait to16 pay poll workers has existed for the last17 year or two, so I think there's some18 merit to that.19 I think, though, we've tried to20 have departments and independently21 electeds hold to certain spending22 thresholds during these financially23 strained times. So, you know, that's24 something that we've been trying to do.25 195 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 But I think this is worth2 probably discussing.3
Yeah, if4 I could just throw my two cents in on5 this.6
Because I8 think -- and I know the president knows9 and I think a lot of us know the election10 workers, those people that work the11 polls, are not the easiest people to get.12
And once14 or twice they will grumble a little bit15 when they don't get paid right away. And16 if there's that extended period -- and as17 Mr. Lee said, you know, trying to get --18 that could extend, in effect, a November19 election. And, obviously, nobody wants20 to see that happen because we need21 everybody, and we need the experienced22 people working there too in November of23 '12.24
You know,2 we don't want people kind of on-the-job3 training at that time.4 I mean, I -- we all know about5 the budget problems. But, you know, that6 seems certainly to me and, I think, to a7 lot of us a very legitimate concern.8
And I agree.9 And I think that -- if I can speak for10 the Administration, I think that it11 definitely warrants a conversation.12
Just given what14 was just said in testimony. And I think15 there's merit to that.16
And,19 Councilman, I think year after year, we20 say that it has been said that poll21 workers, for instance, is Jersey are paid22 twice as much as those here in23 Philadelphia.24
Mm-hmm.25 197 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
And2 for people to have to wait as long as3 they've had to --4
--6 for the meager salary that they get for7 working, you know, from 6 o'clock until8 8 o'clock at night, I think it's really9 unfair.10 Somehow or other, we must work.11 Bob, should they be in touch with you12 directly?13
You25 198 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 what?2
Oh,5 good. Because, I'll tell you, we need6 your experience.7 COUNCILMAN GREENLEE:8 Absolutely.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 You're really great.11
And13 we do appreciate it.14 Bob, I just want to ask one15 question. I know in the past, they have16 had sample voting machines downstairs, on17 the first floor.18
Will20 you be having one this year? If so,21 when?22
Once the acting23 commissioners approve the ballot, then24 we'll put ballots out, put 'em on25 199 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 machines, test 'em, and put 'em in there.2 We hope to have a ballot for3 them to review next Wednesday, at their4 Wednesday meeting. That's pending any5 kind of court litigation on removing6 names from the ballot.7 But we're mandated by law to8 have those set up there, and we do. And9 then they're --10
I11 think many of us are just curious to see,12 you know, how many -- how large that13 ballot's going to be.14
The ballot is very15 large in its Common Pleas Court race;16 that's for sure. There's forty-some17 people there, 45, I believe, or 44.18 It extends the full width of19 the machine, apparently. Yeah, the20 question will be on the bottom as opposed21 to on the side this time.22
Wow.23 So every column will be full; is that24 what you're saying?25 200 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Well, it won't be2 full. We'll be using every column. The3 first two columns take the captions, the4 office captions.5 Then you have a -- then6 there'll be a change this year because7 you now have a Republican governor. So8 the first two columns will be the9 Republican primary. And then you'll have10 the necessary rows of Democratic columns11 to fill out the ballot.12 And I believe we'll be using13 all of the columns on the machine.14
I15 think many of us would like to see, you16 know, what the ballot looks like on the17 machine.18
Yeah, I hope to have19 one. I don't do it now; that's kind of20 been passed off for years. But the21 employees that do do it should hopefully22 have one ready for Wednesday's meeting23 with the acting commissioners.24
Very25 201 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 well.2 Are there any further3 questions?4 (No further questions.)5
Give9 the Commissioner our best and wish her a10 speedy recovery, Bob.11 MR. McPHERSON: The Free12 Library is next.13 (Witnesses come forward.)14
Same here. Thank21 you.22 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:23 Please identify yourself for the record24 and proceed with your testimony.25 202 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
5 Council President Verna and6 members of the Council, as I said, I'm7 Siobhan Reardon, President and Director8 of the Free Library. And joining me this9 afternoon, is Robert Heim, Chairman of10 the Board of Trustees of the Free11 Library. 11 COMM. 927 million in Class and 400. With a stable schedule, a6 growing complement of staff, and a number7 of exciting innovations, the Free Library8 has been able to enhance its services to9 the citizens of Philadelphia. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 that the Library has faced in recent2 years. 12 We do know the impact of our13 work today. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 which reported that in just one year,2 10,788 people could not have learned to3 read without the Free Library, and 14,0244 taught somebody else to read, using the5 resources of the Free Library. 8 Nearly 1,000 individuals found9 jobs directly because of the Library,10 with an impact of $6 million. 15 Evidence of the Free Library's16 impact is also apparent in monthly17 performance statistics, almost every one18 of which is up from last year. 11 COMM. 2 Equally interesting is the3 growth in the use of electronic resources4 and virtual access. 7 percent increase in the use of6 electronic resources such as Dun &7 Bradstreet and a 21 percent in downloads,8 including library card applications. org has21 become our 55th branch, our physical22 branch has continued to play a critical23 role in the neighborhoods. 11 COMM. 11 Additionally, there are evening12 hours four nights a week in every area of13 the City. Regional libraries are Tuesday14 through Saturdays, and Parkway Central15 has hours seven days a week. 19 The Library for the Blind and20 Physically Handicapped is open Monday21 through Friday, 9 to 5. 11 COMM. 4 To this date, we have installed new HVAC5 in Joseph Coleman, Northwest Regional,6 the Fishtown, Lovett, Lillian Marrero,7 South Philadelphia branches. Charles8 Santore has new floor tiles and shelving,9 and Roxborough has a new handicapped10 ramp. Currently, Holmesburg is closed to11 replace the boiler, and leaks are being12 patched at Eastwick. Roof work is13 planned at Haddington shortly. While our14 goal is to keep the branch open while the15 work is being done, it can be necessary16 to close for the safety of our customer17 and employees. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Shakespeare Park will be renovated as2 well, creating a more welcoming entrance3 off the Parkway. This work is slated to4 be done by the end of June as is the5 renovation of the larger space for the6 Mayor's Commission on Literacy. 10 Services to young people are a11 hallmark of our work. The LEAP12 After-School Program serving 80,00013 children would not be possible without14 the assistance of teen leadership15 assistants. 19 Equally important, they gain20 valuable work experience. Virtually all21 of our teen leadership assistants22 graduate from high school on time, and a23 significant go on to college. 11 COMM. 5 The Free Library also hosts6 work study students and interns. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 tasks such as general labor, custodial,2 book sorting, grass cutting, and3 maintenance. 11 E. Steven Collins of Radio One is chair12 of this revitalized body. 20 Additionally, we are in the early stages21 of developing the "National Literacy22 Summit: Philadelphia 2011" to be held23 November 14th and 15th. 11 COMM. 6 Dr. 11 COMM. 10 A focus on new Americans11 represents a new area of emphasis for the12 Free Library. Conversation groups have13 been formed so that the international14 adults can practice their conversational15 skills in an informal atmosphere,16 allowing them to build their confidence17 in a relaxed environment. 11 COMM. 5 A particularly exciting example6 of Free Library innovation are our hot7 spots, technology outposts housed in8 community centers that offer computers9 with Internet access, computer skills10 training, and one-on-one support from11 computer assistance. 11 COMM.
4 The Free Library will continue5 to develop innovative and meaningful6 services for our users and the citizens7 of Philadelphia. 19 This spring, we are hosting tours of our20 branches for board members and special21 guests, and I would be delighted to have22 you along for one of our afternoons to23 see the impact of our work. 11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Well,2 let us know when you're having the tours.3
Will do, okay.4 And I'm happy to answer any5 questions you might have.6
President Verna and13 members of Council, I believe you already14 have my written statement, so I'm not15 going to repeat it at any length. I'll16 just make a comment or two and submit the17 written statement.18 I'm here on behalf of the board19 of trustees, as all of you know, an20 independent board under the City Charter,21 and I speak for every member of the board22 of trustees in saying that we are very23 enthusiastic about the path that the24 Library has taken these last few years.25 217 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 We understand well that the2 needs of our City's residents change and3 change with time and change with4 geography and change with population, and5 we're determined to meet those ever-6 expanding needs, especially in the7 technology area. When you consider that8 ten years ago, we weren't Twittering and9 we weren't on Facebook and our cell10 phones were probably three times as heavy11 as they are now, we're very mindful of12 what's happened with the technology13 explosion, and we're determined to make14 sure that our children who use the15 Library and who don't otherwise have16 access to customers and to the Internet17 and to all of the benefits that18 technology brings that the Library will19 be a part of that education and will help20 bring them to the forefront of21 understanding how technology can affect22 their world.23 And the same with job seekers24 today. With unemployment still being the25 218 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 problem that we have, we're determined to2 help all of our adults throughout the3 communities, throughout all of our4 communities, with online job applications5 and the like.6 And we have 850 computers that7 are busy every hour that we are open.8 And, unfortunately, there are lines, and9 we have to impose time limits on the use10 of the computers. I wish we didn't have11 to do that and I wish we had more space12 and more computers, but everybody has a13 wish list, and I know we're not the only14 ones.15 But all of those things, I16 think, contribute substantially and17 materially to the benefit and the morale18 and the good feeling of the citizens of19 this city.20 I think you will see that when21 we finish the facelift that we're in the22 middle of, we have started already on the23 Central, that it's going to be much more24 welcoming. You'll feel much better when25 219 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 you walk in the front door of the Central2 Library, and the revisions and making the3 popular library, having places for people4 to actually sit down and read will, I5 think, improve the Central Branch quite a6 bit.7 But I'm also very mindful that8 the heart of the Library is in our9 neighborhoods, it's in our branches, and10 we do everything we can to make sure that11 branches are full participants in the12 technology areas, in programs for13 children, programs for adults.14 And I just marvel every time I15 go out into the branches at the wonderful16 things the librarians do for all of the17 citizens of Philadelphia. They deserve,18 the librarians and the staff, a round of19 applause.20 So thank you very much for21 having us here today, and I want to22 especially give my best wishes to the23 Council President in whatever she may do24 in the future.25 220 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
Thank2 you so much.3 And may I say we all agree4 with -- and certainly want to applaud the5 fine work that the board does and all of6 the employees, I think, of the Library.7 I think you're to be applauded. You8 really are. And I want you to know that9 we appreciate all that you do.10 I would just like to ask a few11 questions. On of the detail, it12 reflects substantial reductions in your13 Class 100 budget for part-time,14 temporary, and seasonal employees as well15 as an overtime for Fiscal 2012. What is16 the operational impact of these17 reductions to the Library system?18
We've been able19 to -- much of that is a shift from20 full-time to hourly and overtime while we21 were closing the gap on vacant positions.22 And so, we put a number -- we23 asked the staff to work overtime to24 ensure that the libraries weren't being25 221 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 closed, and we hired a number of hourly2 people.3 Now that we are in the process4 of hiring many of our staff, we had a --5 I think our vacancy as of today as of the6 payroll is down to 17. So a lot of that7 has to do with moving the money from8 full-time positions to hourly and9 overtime while we were covering the gaps10 in the schedule.11
You12 are requesting $11.9 million in the Grant13 Fund --14
--16 for State-supported services. Are these17 funds included in the governor's proposed18 budget?19
Yes.23 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:24 Great. Your general budget is being25 222 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 increased by a million dollars for2 literacy programs. Can you tell us how3 you intend to spend these funds?4
Yes. And I'm5 actually going to bring up Dr. Judith6 Renyi to specifically answer that, as7 she's the executive director of the8 program.9
-- and17 Councilmembers.18 The funds will be used to19 create a system citywide to help support20 the literacy agencies to do some new21 work, which is to ramp up the scale of22 their ability to deliver services.23 We are hoping to do much more24 with digital learning in the theme that25 223 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 has been laid out already by Siobhan and2 mobile learning as well and to partner3 with just about every agency and4 organization in the City that has5 computers, to make them available to the6 adults in their neighborhoods, wherever7 they work, wherever they live, wherever8 they are, so that there can be a greatly9 enhanced scale for learning how to read,10 write, compute.11 And the computing is essential;12 you can't even look for a job unless you13 know to go online.14 So these are all very basic,15 essential skills for our adults.16
Thank17 you so much for the explanation. Thank18 you.19 In your testimony, you state20 that currently, Holmesburg is closed to21 replace the boiler, and leaks are being22 patched at Eastwick. My memory is that23 perhaps last year at this time, Eastwick24 was closed because the boiler had to be25 224 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 fixed or repaired or replaced.2 Now we have a leak. Where's3 the leak coming from.4
The leak is in --5 and when you're entering the Library,6 that's exactly -- what we're fixing now7 is actually a structural issue that makes8 it dangerous. The structure is actually9 compromised now. And so, the boiler has10 been fixed and we were able to reopen the11 Library.12 Now there's a structural issue13 as you enter the Library, the vestibule.14 It's breaking apart and so, we're fixing15 it now so that it's safe for people to go16 in and out of the Library.17
My note is, no23 date for completion of repair. So it's24 actually taking a long time to get the25 225 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 work underway.2
I'm3 trying to visualize where this problem4 is. You say it's at the doorway?5
It's over the6 doorway as you enter the building. I7 don't know. It's been deteriorating for8 quite some time. You can actually see9 the metal work underneath, and it's10 compromised as well.11 So it's been a -- it's been12 becoming a problem for sometime. And13 then bits and pieces of the building have14 been falling down, and we actually had to15 section it off where people were going16 around the side. And then it's now just17 too dangerous to keep open.18
It's19 a beautiful library. It would be a20 shame.21
And Council24 President, I might add that, you know,25 226 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 one of the issues that the trustees worry2 about at every meeting, including3 yesterday, is that we have very -- the4 amount of capital funds that are5 available is very small. It's what, a6 million-five or --7
A million-five. And9 we're dealing with 50-some structures, a10 number of which are a hundred years old.11 So, you know, trying to figure out how to12 deal with the maintenance, you know,13 HVAC, roofs and windows that badly need14 to be replaced on such a small amount of15 capital funds is something that works us16 tremendously.17
I18 would think it would be impossible.19 I know that -- was it last year20 or the year before, we had an awful lot21 of emergency closings.22
Have24 we had any? And if so, how many have we25 227 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 had in FY 2011.2
I'll give you3 the impressive improvements that we've4 made.5 In 2010, we had 8,564 hours6 closed due to either staffing or building7 issues. And now, we're down to 37008 hours closed largely due to building9 issues; 2500 of that 3700 are building10 issues.11 And so, we've been able to --12 the staffing piece of it, of course, has13 been phenomenally improved.14
Great.15 The Chair recognizes Councilman16 Goode.17
Thank you,18 Madam President.19 My first question is actually20 about the literacy initiative. Literacy21 is a key issue in the City. I'm22 wondering if there are any provisions23 that have been made with regard to the24 blind and physically handicapped and25 228 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 their use of the Library, particularly2 how they could be served with those3 additional dollars since I understand the4 population now is being underserved.5
I think that's6 kind of our combined question, because7 one of the things that we do know --8 again, with our work with the Library for9 the Blind and Physically Handicapped, we10 know that we only serve about 10 percent11 of the community. And so, our focus in12 the years is to really get at improving,13 doubling, tripling the percentage of14 people who can take advantage of the15 services, not just visually impaired, but16 anybody with any sort of a major17 impairment, when recognizing macular18 degeneration is being diagnosed much19 sooner. When you think about returning20 veterans, that's a population that needs21 to be much better served.22 So the literacy program, while23 we're looking at visually impaired, we24 have a small program, Library for the25 229 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 Blind, I think our total overall services2 to work with persons with disabilities3 needs to be substantially ratcheted up.4
We certainly are7 going to get going; that's for sure.8 We have a brand-new -- and I'll9 tell you how the -- we have a brand-new10 director for the Library for the Blind11 and Physically Handicapped beginning on12 April 25th, and she's coming in from13 Nevada and has run the state services14 there, so we're pretty excited about15 that.16
Okay, thank21 you.22 The rest of my questions are23 actually around contracting and are from24 a different standpoint.25 230 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371
I've been3 asking every department agency what the4 largest contract they will award in5 Fiscal Year '12 as a way of walking6 through the contracting process.7 So what's the largest contract8 that you expect to award in Fiscal Year9 '12.10
I don't know that11 I know that answer right now. I'm12 guessing right now that the contract will13 have -- well, clearly we have -- the14 largest contract we have now is with15 General Asphalt for a lot of maintenance16 and repairs. That is a contract that is17 going to be up for renewal, and we're18 looking into that contact now too. That19 is far and away the largest contract that20 we have.21
Okay. And25 231 4.6.11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - BILL 1101371 that is a renewable contract?2
It's a renewable3 contract. All of our contracts are4 annual, with renewable terms. So we also5 have a lease for our computers, which is6 an annual renewal, and it --7
I'm just8 talking about the largest contract right9 now.10
The largest11 contract we have is definitely General12 Asphalt.13
I want to say16 four years. Hold on. I have it right17 here. Four years.18
And is the19 firm a certified disadvantaged business?20